Secondary Menu

Post navigation

The dental industry recognizes two gum tissue types, or periodontal biotypes. While subtypes exist, they more or less all fall back into the two we are about to explain. Knowing which gum type you have and how it affects your dental care will help you take better care of your teeth.

The Two Gum Tissue Types

The two types are thick/flat and thin/scalloped. Each has its respective pros and cons.

Thick/flat

People with thick/flat gums have flatter teeth. The part where the top of the teeth and gums meet create a flat surface, giving teeth a square-shaped appearance.

People with a thick gum type are more susceptible to gum pocket formation, which creates an opening for bacteria. Left untreated, gum pockets can lead to jawbone loss.

Thin/Scalloped

With thin/scalloped gums, the top of the teeth appears more rounded or arched. This creates a pointy or triangular appearance at the point where the gums come in between each tooth. People with thin gums are more prone to gum recession since the gums are thin to begin with.

Demographic Breakdown

Your gum tissue type is solely a factor of genetics. The dental industry has also identified trends across racial demographics. Caucasians and Blacks tend to have flatter gum tissue, while Asians tend to have thin gums. Since gum shape is inherited, immediate family members tend to share the same gum type.

With this knowledge, dentists know what dental problems you may be more prone to have by identifying your gum type.

Regardless of your gum tissue shape and formation, you adhering to all basic dental hygiene care is necessary.

Google Places Reviews

I strongly recommend Mukilteo Dental Art to all of my friends and family.

MoJo

5 out of 5 stars

posted 1 year ago

Great!! Recently my first experience.Dr.An very professional.Had a buckle repaired and my teeth cleaned.You know you have a good dentist when he can give a shot without jumping out of the chair.Secondly you can tell when a dentist thoroughly goes over his work.I've had different dentists through the years and I highly recommend this Dentist.

Debbie Mcpherson

5 out of 5 stars

posted 1 year ago

I had a broken tooth and didn't know what to do, Dr. An worked out a positive solution for me and I will definitely go there again. The tooth looks perfect. Thank you Dr. An!